A ONE DAY PACKED LE CONFERENCE BREACHING THE BARRICADE
Welcome to the Home of Breaching the Barricade
The Breaching the Barricade Law Enforcement Conference is a one-day training that focuses on equipping and supporting those on the front lines. Featuring a number of excellent speakers that will encourage and strengthen you. We'll also have breakout sessions for law enforcement spouses. We invite you to come and be encouraged, inspired and equipped for the many challenges we face in today's world.
Friday, October 3rd, 2025
CONFERENCE LOCATION:
Farmstead Inn and Conference Center
370 S. Van Buren St.,
Shipshewana,I ndiana 46565
To make reservations: please call only this number with room block name
260-768-4595
Do Not go through their website
(Room Block Name: Officer Appreciation Weekend)
Room Rates good until September 2nd, 2025
For more information contact us via this website's Contact Form.
SPEAKER - TIM BARFIELD
Tim is a 42 year LE veteran who retired as the Chief of Police in Wellington, Ohio. He is a contributing writer to PoliceOne.com, LawOfficer.com and was instrumental in the development of the Local Initiative Networking Compassion (LINC), an organization that assists those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. He has a passion to assist first responders in increasing their awareness, strengthening their mental health, developing a survival mindset, assisting the addicted community, achieving balance, developing resilience and living an ethical life.
Session 1: R.A.N.G.E. of Resilience
This course will provide students with the knowledge, skills, and resources to improve their physical and mental well-being, increase their resilience, and enhance their performance on the job. It focuses on movement, mindfulness, and mental skills can be applied as officers traverse their career. Participants will learn to identify the spectrum of stress responses in first responder, apply practical tools to strengthen personal and peer resilience and recognize the role of identity, purpose, and connection in sustaining resilience.
Session 2: Response Oriented Communication
In high-stress environments, the ability to communicate with empathy and clarity can be life-saving. Students will be introduced to 1st HELP's response-oriented communication model-"I Sense, I Think, I Feel, I Want, Let's Do"-a practical framework for navigating difficult conversations, especially those involving peer well-being and emotional distress. Participants will learn how to recognize and articulate emotional cues in themselves and others, use structured language to foster trust and psychological safety and engage in collaborative dialogue that leads to meaningful support and action.
SPEAKERS - LEANNAH LANZEN
Leannah Lanzen has been a “cop kid” for 21 years. Her first hand experience is the driving force behind her passion for working alongside her family as they reach other law enforcement families. Earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree, she is a recent graduate of Moody Bible Institute and is on a mission to share what works and what doesn’t work, as well as how faith is crucial, for the law enforcement child. She is using this life experience to pour into law enforcement families, speaking at spouse events and academies across the Midwest. Growing up with three sisters in the thin blue line family, her dad serves as commander of the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Facility while her mom serves as chaplain, Indiana State Liaison for How 2 Love Our Cops Organization.
Session: You Are What You Eat: How to Raise Resilient LE Kids and Have a Thriving HOME
Raising children in a law enforcement family comes with unique challenges that can shape their upbringing and perspectives. Understanding these challenges can lead to a family that is thriving and not just surviving the thin blue line. Hear from a cop daughter's perspective on the life behind the badge.
SPEAKER - Thomas Lemmer
Tom is a retired Chicago Police Department (CPD) deputy chief and the founcferl pres1dent of Secure 1776 - Public Safety Professional Resource, LLC. He has extensive experience directing, managing and assessing law enforcement supervisors and executives. He holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminal Justice, and has served as an adjunct facu lty member at Loyola University Chicago. A member of the IACP, IL Chief of Police and Sheriff's Associations, Police Executive Research Forum and ILEETA, he remains an active law enforcement and public safety consultant, analyst, writer, and instructor.
Session 1 : Gratitude Leading Leadership: Not a Thankless Profession
In all but a one-person department, police chiefs and sheriffs (and their agency's supervisors) must rely on the work of others to fully meet their agency's mission. This reality is inherently understood, which raises a key question. Are our law enforcement agencies ones that their members would describe as being places where gratitude is a priority? When members go "above and beyond" their assigned duties is some form of "thank you" appropriate? When leaders do not convey gratitude for extra and exceptional efforts, are there consequences? Does a lack of gratitude pose officer wellness issues? Do only those who directly receive a "thank you" receive some benefit in the expression of gratitude? Additionally,
when members merely do the work they are paid to do, are they also "owed" some expression of gratitude? Should gratitude be a guiding factor in how police leaders lead? How might core management activities be impacted by a "gratitude leading" leadership approach? This course will provide essential guidance in how the police profession and its leaders should answer these questions.
Session 2: Iron Strengthens Iron: Embrace Adversity
Policing is a challenging profession, in Chicago and everywhere else. After more than 34 years of active service in the Chicago Police Department adversity standouts as a point requiring far more instruction . As we have previouslr discussed at Breaching the Barricade, in this life there is suffering and evil is real. In every life there wil be trials and tribulations. Adversity tests our readiness and commitment, and reveals our character. Yes, we want our police officers to get through the trails that they will encounter. However, just getting through adversity should not be their goal or ours. Whenever adversity comes, we must remember and instruct that iron sharpens iron. Adversity provides the means from which endurance and strength can be built. Our communities are stronger and safer when our police officers endure adversity well and emerge stronger, with a renewed sense of faith and purpose.
Session 3: Does Your Badge Mean Anything?
Being Proactive is Essential. Fans of classic television will remember the character Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) from the Andy Griffith Show. The situation in this 1960s sit -com was small town life in Mayberry, North ~arofina, as seen through the eyes of Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith). The comedic portrayal of Deputy Fife, who usually has few crimes to solve, is often critical, as "Fearless Fife" does have fears. Deputy Fife also has a passion for his profession that offers an opportunity for clarity on what everyone who wears a badge must be prepared to do. Being responsible to enforce the law is not a joke. There are dangers. But, addressing lawlessness always falls squarely on the shoulders of someone wearing a badge. Being proactive is an essential mindset for the police officer on patrol. How officers see their role and how they carry themselves matters.
SPEAKER - BRIAN SCHROTH
A third-generation police officer who retired from the Elkhart Police Department and US Marine, Brian transitioned to service with the Sarasota Co. (FL) Sheriff's Office. His career included a number of assignments including Patrol, Special Response Team, Drug Unit, and the ATF Task Force. In 2022, he accepted the role of Area Director with the Priority 1 Foundation in Southwest Florida.
Session: If I Had it to do all Over Again
"Kid, you're my second chance, don't blow it." Coming from a veteran officer, those words hold at least two sentiments that a younger officer would be wise to heed ... "I've learned some things the hard way" and "I care enough about you that its my hope that you will listen to benefit from my experience tan benefit from it" You'll hear from a man whose heart is to do that. Don't miss the opportunity!
SPEAKER - MC WILLIAMS
A 35 year veteran of law enforcement, MC has served in a number of positions from investigations to SWAT. A popular event speaker and ILEETA trainer, MC is the founder and executive director of Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry which works to reach, embolden and encourage law enforcement officers in being victorious in their Heaven sent calling.
Session: Traversing the Difficult Journey through Grief
In March of this year, MC lost his wife Diana to cancer. !ts been an extremely difficult journey and he will be sharing the many lessons that he has been learning along the way. Whether you have suffered loss or striving to help others as they make the journey, this session will be a raw look at loss, the hope that can be found in the middle of it as well as meaningful ways you can support those grieving.
SPEAKER - Jeff & Tina Ingemi
Tina and Jeff Ingemi have both been first responders and married for over 25 years with two adult children and a son-in-law. Jeff is retired law enforcement, and Tina is currently EMS and a counselor for first responders. Both serve in peer support/CISM, work with How2LoveOurCops, volunteer with the Maine Weekend To Remember FamilyLife team, and are trained law enforcement chaplains. They are passionate about helping relationships grow and heal because they understand the impact that emergency response can have on couples and on their families.
Session 1: Sex, Stress, and Everything Between: Tips for First Responder Relationships
Every first responder has training and tools they utilize to perform their job well. First responder relationships also need to have intentional investment in order to be successful, especially when dealing with shift work, high stress calls, and communication struggles. Jeff and Tina share about highs and lows of their first responder relationship and the lessons they have learned along the way. Their priority is to provide information, resources, and hope so that your relationship can be strengthened and even thrive in the world of emergency response.
Session 2: First Responder Parenting: Lessons Learned through the Joys, the Struggles, and the Healing.
Parenting is hard. Parenting in a first responder family is even harder. However, it is possible to foster healthy and hopeful family dynamics within the stressful environment of emergency response. Join Jeff and Tina as they talk about the challenges and joys of raising children, sharing the lessons they learned along the way.
SPEAKERS - KEVIN BERNARD
Kevin is a former pro boxer and retired police Sergeant with the Philadelphia police department where he served for 28 years. He currently serves as a Lt. with the Philadelphia Housing Authority Office of Public Safety. A highly decorated officer, he served as a member of PPD's elite crimefighting unit called the Highway Patrol which worked in the highest crime areas of the city. Kevin also served in dignitary protection as well as the Narcotics Strike force as a Sergeant. Kevin currently serves the Director of Chaplains and Security for Rock Ministries ... A beacon of hope in one of Philadelphia's most drug riddled communities. There he serves as a boxing coach, cut man and a certified USA Boxing official.
Session: Leadership from the Bottom
Many think the only way to hold a position of power and influence is to be a senior leader of an agency. Unfortunately, that is a misperception that holds many back from the greatest expression of leadership ... Servant Leadership. This course will share insights that will help you to be an effective leader at any level.
SPEAKER - JIM BONTRAGER
Jim is a US Marine, former reserve officer and a chaplain who has been working to strengthen and encourage the law enforcement profession for the past 31 years. He currently serves full time as a chaplain with the Elkhart Police Department and Immediate Past President of the International Conference of Police Chaplains. He's a nationally recognized instructor, podcast guest and contributor whose work has been featured in Police Chief Magazine, Law Enforcement Today, LawOfficer.com, the Thin Blue Life and other outlets.
Session 1: The Foundational Principle: Anchoring the Profession in a Simple but Profound Truth
Foundations, although simple, are vital to the survival of a structure. Without a solid one, stress cracks will begin to show until the building suffers catastrophic failure and irreparable damage. The same holds true for this profession. This session will examine a simple yet profound foundational principle that is neglected in our day and its radical impact on relationships, leadership and mental health.
Session 2: Your Example ... A Source of Hope for Your Community
We find ourselves in a world filled with apathy, compromise, hopelessness and those out solely for personal gain. The result? an often cynical community devoid of hope ... There IS something that can be done about it! Show me a community of LEOs fully understanding the Heaven sent calling that's theirs, the resources at their disposal, living a life of integrity aware of the opportunity they have serving daily at the front the gates of hell and I'll show you a community that has hope! This session will reflect on the often overlooked immeasurable aspects of the job that will provide you insight into the significance of your work in the community. Prepare to be challenged and encouraged!
2025 Officer Appreciation Day
The 31st Annual Officer Appreciation Day is a celebration of law enforcement and the invaluable role officers play in our communities. A National Peace Officer's Appreciation Week activity, it's open to all active-duty officers and their families. Come and experience a grateful public that is not mad, bad, or sad. Be encouraged with a fresh reminder that you are appreciated!
Saturday, October 4th, 2025.
Sturgis, Michigan.
For more information, visit:
warrioronthewall.org/appreciation-day/
